Hayao Miyazaki’s latest film, The Boy and the Heron, made a stunning debut in the U.S. box office, setting new benchmarks for original anime films that aren’t adaptations of existing intellectual properties. The movie opened to an impressive $12.8 million across 2,205 theaters during its wide release weekend. The film’s performance on Saturday was particularly noteworthy, bringing in $4 million after a strong $5.56 million on Friday. This remarkable opening not only highlights the film’s popularity but also establishes several significant records for both original 2D and anime films in the United States.
One of the most striking aspects of The Boy and the Heron is that it achieved the largest opening weekend for any of Miyazaki’s films, as well as for Studio Ghibli and its U.S. distributor, GKIDS. Previously, GKIDS held the record with Makoto Shinkai’s Weathering with You, which had a considerably lower opening weekend of $1.8 million back in 2020. Notably, the opening day figures for The Boy and the Heron surpassed those of Miyazaki’s last release, The Wind Rises, which earned $5.2 million on its first day.
The film’s success is even more impressive considering that it is the only entirely foreign production to lead the U.S. box office since Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero accomplished this in August 2022, with a weekend total of $21.1 million. Furthermore, The Boy and the Heron stands out as the first 2D animated feature not based on existing intellectual property to reach the top of the weekend charts since Disney’s The Princess and the Frog did so in 2009, with a $24.2 million opening weekend.
In a groundbreaking achievement, The Boy and the Heron is the first original anime film—meaning it isn’t adapted from other media—to ever reach the number one spot on the U.S. weekend box office. It is also the third anime film overall to achieve this milestone, following in the footsteps of Pokemon: The First Movie and Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero.
Additional insights into the film’s performance were shared by various sources. The movie garnered an A- Cinemascore and received 4.5 stars, with 65% of viewers recommending it to others. The audience demographic was particularly young, with 54% identifying as male, and 80% of attendees falling within the 18-34 age range. Notably, 44% of the audience was between the ages of 25 and 34. In terms of diversity, the audience composition was 43% Caucasian, 22% Latino and Hispanic, 7% Black, and 27% Asian or other ethnicities. Premium Large Format (PLF) and IMAX screenings contributed to 38% of the film’s gross earnings thus far. The highest-grossing theater for this film was AMC Boston Commons, showcasing its strong appeal.
Critically, The Boy and the Heron scored impressively on Rotten Tomatoes, achieving a 95% rating from critics. This positive reception has further cemented its status as a significant cinematic release.
In addition to its box office triumphs, The Boy and the Heron has begun to accumulate accolades, including a year-end Best Animated Feature award from the Los Angeles Film Critics Association. This recognition adds to its growing list of achievements as it continues to resonate with both audiences and critics alike.
Amidst its success, there were other animated films competing for attention in the weekend box office. DreamWorks Trolls Band Together remained resilient, securing the No. 5 spot with an estimated $6.2 million over the weekend, bringing its total earnings to around $83 million after four weeks in theaters. Conversely, Disney’s Wish struggled to maintain momentum, landing at No. 6 with a mere $1.16 million for the weekend, totaling approximately $49.5 million since its opening over the Thanksgiving weekend.
As The Boy and the Heron continues its successful run, it faces additional competition in the animated film category. Universal and Illumination’s Migration is set to premiere on December 22nd, aiming to capture its share of the market. This film has already begun its international rollout, earning over $6.5 million in various territories, including France, Italy, China, Belgium, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. In France, Migration received favorable reviews, contributing $2 million to its opening week earnings.
With such a strong performance in its opening weekend, The Boy and the Heron has not only captivated audiences but also redefined expectations for original anime films in the U.S. market. The film’s combination of artistic storytelling, rich animation, and universal themes has resonated with viewers, ensuring its place in cinematic history. As more audiences discover Miyazaki’s enchanting world, it’s clear that this film will continue to make waves in the animation landscape.
In summary, Hayao Miyazaki’s The Boy and the Heron has not only set new box office records but has also captured the hearts of a diverse audience, showcasing the enduring appeal of original storytelling in animation. As it continues to receive accolades and attract viewers, it stands as a testament to the power of creativity and cultural exchange in film.
